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Monday, December 15, 2008

Tablescape Tuesday: A Dog-Themed Tablescape

This Tuesday marks my second "Tablescape Tuesday." This fabulous event is hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch, where you will find links to the most gorgeous place settings and table top arrangements in the world.To some people, China is a country; to others, it's so much more: China is a gateway word, a word that leads to other things, like behavioral changes (hanging out at Ebay) and secret pleasures (dish, napkin ring, or charger fantasies).

China is, for many of us, a common noun that summons visions of proper nouns...Lenox, Royal Doulton, Haviland, Limoges, Flow Blue, Spode, Johnson Brothers, Metlox, etc.

And isn't it funny how this simple, two-syllable word, China, has a way of attaching itself to other words, adding syllables and meanings......

china collecting

china hoarding

china fetish

china craziness

china obsession

Oh, such wonderful phrases! They've been hurled at me a time or two. Bring them on, baby, bring them on!

Guilty as charged. On all counts.

China collecting, even on a small scale, can bring large scale joy. What better way to spend a dark, chilly afternoon than setting the table--I'm talking about a calorie free way. And if you are a wise shopper, it doesn't have to cost the moon...you can find vintage plates at yard sales, country auctions, Goodwill, and, if you're very quick and lucky, on Craig's List and Ebay.

If you love to tell a story with china, then Spode's Woodland is one of the best patterns. It was so popular, it segued into "sub patterns," like fish, eagles, wild birds, rabbits, and sporting dogs. No matter if you have a place-setting for twelve or two, this china creates a sense of adventure.The bread box would also make a lovely centerpiece--the lid removed, the box filled with twigs, magnolia leaves, pine, and holly berries. That said, it was too cold outside, so I settled on the paper whites (silk).We have fresh farm eggs every day, so my egg cups (Villory's Naif) come in handy.

This is an example of dishes and placemats NOT matching a dining room, but I like to tablescape dangerously. I did try to keep the green flowing around the table (placemats and napkins: K-Mart)

Brunch for two will be served at 11:30 am.If non-dishy people knew how much fun this was, they would be instantly converted. Me, I would stand in line for this!

This cute, little Scottie moved all over the table.

A peek at the old salt and pepper shaker.

The dog figurine came from Ballard's Designs.

I love candlelight, especially when the days are short and dark--and when it comes to tablescapes, a candle adds so much more than light. A candle says, You are dear to me, and I love making a fuss over you. Come on, sugar, sit down.

The dog is cast iron--and he is heavy--but he moves all over the house. He looks good everywhere.Part of the joy of tablescaping is taking the same element (a dining table) and making it seem new and different. I tell myself all the time that dishes are to a dining room what earrings and handbags are to a wardrobe. Well, that's what I tell myself. :-)

59 comments:

This is lovely!! I love the little dogs! I posted my first one but it's actually the one I did last year at Christmas! My first table setting ever (lol) I seen some Johnson Brothers dishes today at a thrift store there were only a few small plates they were 50 cents each!!I wish there had been more I probablywould have bought them lol French!;)

Gollum this was just adorable and so different. I love different. I love the dog and will look for one of those.. I looked at some Spode China today and told myself NO!.. man alive I wish I hadn't listened !! lol The Scottie is adorable!hugs ~lynne~

Yummylicious, my friend, and SOOOOO dear to "M-Y" heart! When Susan told us Spode was going out of business, I panicked, THEN I ran (Ok... welllll, I walked, but reeeeally FAST!) to my study to get on line & ordered Spode's Woodland, which I had been MEANING to order for ages! Sooo glad I did, but they sent the wrong pieces (they're correcting the mistake, tho). Can't tell you how I just "D-I-E-D" over the "Bread Box" as you called it~ I hadn't seen it available thru Macy's on-line, but will go to that Replacements place & see if they have any! It may take a "second mortgage" to BUY one nowadays, buy hey! I LOVE IT that much!!! (Grins!)~ You created not only a LOVELY, CHARMING PRESENTATION, but by adding your OWN personal style, flair and "special touch", you made it SUPERBLY ENCHANTING!!! You should be soooo proud, and you HAD to enjoy the the meal, WHATEVER it was!!! THANKS, Sweetie! Hugs, Linda ~~~ (Oh, yes, and P.S.: I "POSTED" some things for "TABLETOP TUESDAY" a few hours ago (about 8 or 9 p.m. Tucson time tonight) but of course, had to do it thru RMS (I'm "mom of a german shorthair"). Would love visits from anyone here who wants to come on over!~ XO

Oh Gollum! I loved your tablescape! What a good idea to use a dog theme. The salt and pepper shakers are wonderful...that's another secret addiction I have. ;-) Thanks for sharing your beautiful dishes with your fellow dish-a-holics....Debbie

Gollum this is all just beautiful girl you out did yourself once again..I love the dog door stopper never thought to use on a table..I am so glad you told where you got some of the things..I give you a hi five for a job well done..Hugs and smiles Gloria ps I posted my save a tree...

Oh Gollum my friend - I would almost challenge you to a dual for that breadbox.LOL That is soooo to die for. I see a hunt at ebay's is in store. :-)If you are not "awarded" out, I have given you a Christmas Spirit award which you can receive at my blog. Thank you for so much blog enjoyment, sharing your love of dishes, and also for all your kind words when I was down and out over the past few weeks. Blessings and Hugs, Barb

Gollum girl your tablescape is soooo charming and wonderful!!! I love your use of doggies for the theme! And that cast iron pup needs to "move around" to my house *winks*....Well you said "he looks good everywhere"! I'm challenging you!Lol!!....yeah yeah...once again I won't hold my breath *winks* And I also totally agree with you about candlelight. It brings instant warmth and the feeling of something being special. I think we all should make a habbit of lighting candles for at least a couple meals a week. Things really should be "special" more often dontcha think? Oh and the spode is dreamy too! I have the woodland birds. Vanna

Love the puppies...a great idea! Now, as I told Susan, I was in Tues. AM over the weekend, and they had miscellaneous pieces of this pattern. Was back in yesterday & they have the vase in this pattern for like $55 or $59...just in case you need a few more! ;O)

LOVE IT! I have always had a little "crush" on those dishes..now I know the name of them..Thanks! You were right about converting a non-dishy person...it worked on me! So a hunting I will go...wish me luck. Cindy

So nice to see your beautiful collections displayed for tablescape tuesday! I was just telling bo and pat that I needed to play along - I love to do them, but never do unless I have company coming. LOL! Anyway, beautiful job - as always.

In such a hectic world, the one area I can control is my dining room table! I'm with you on it's importance to daily life! After my dad died, my mom said her ONLY regret was that she didn't serve him on the China more often. I've tucked that in my heart, and like you, would stand in line just to get a glimpse of a table like YOURS.

This is my first time visiting and I almost wept tears of joy-at last, someone that understands "china' and that it implies! My husband thinks I need intervention. Silly boy!Your table is beautiful and your choices are truly inspiring. I will be back!kate

Wow! Beautiful! I love the dogs. I've been trying to find a picture for the wall with the dogs. I haven't been able to find one anywhere! I love how you also use them on the table. Everything loves sooooooo lovely and I love that you used K-mart mats and napkins. Deb

In Georgia when they say "who let the dawgs out", they are talking football. I see someone has turned yours loose for the moment. Thanks for the info on the "sporting" breeds. Didn't know that. I keep telling DH I'm not "wasting my time" but broadening my knowledge base. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.Especially like the napkins and napkin rings. Very sophisticated. Even if I can't be, it is nice to know my napkins can be.

Love your use of the pitchers to grow your paperwhites. Paperwhites & Amaryllis are a definite staple of the Christmas Season. I love your China..so unexpected!Enjoyed your blog very much. This is my first time to participate in the Tablescape Tuesday fun...visit me at whiteirisdesigns.blogspot.com

Just beautiful! Once again! I love how you've personalized a popular china pattern....very creative and lovely! Who says it doesn't "go" with your dining room? I think it works just fine!Merry Christmas!

You put this table together perfectly Gollum, your beautiful dishes, crystal napkins and rings together with the candles and a touch of whimsy with the little scottie dog (did I tell you we are adopting a west highland terrier in the new year, I cannot wait!!).and his friends are the perfect accessory. Hope the little baby goats are still thriving and the possum has gone for good!, what a lovely thing it must be to live on a farm with all the activities and free eggs :) and you have your very own donkeys too, hugs, Kathy.

Wonderful table! I always love to see the unexpected on a table.... and love to see how people use their treasures on their tables! I have some dachshund statues.... that may find their way to my table (can you hear my mind spinning out of control as I type?)

This is SOO special and so....GOLLUM!!! You have the touch, the knack, the talent that shines through all you do. Love the dogs, all so special. WISH I had as many dishes/sets. It's the DARN STORAGE thing.... Have a great day, Pinky

Good afternoon, Dear Gollum! Now this is right down my alley ~ dogs! I adore these dishes! I'm coveting just a bit here! And the little white scotty dog ~ Chloe Dawn's white cousin! Look at that bread box! Why a small fuzzy face like little Mister could be hiding in there! LOL You're amazing in all you do and I'm so glad you've chosen to tablescape with us! "Oh, what fun it is to deck the tables just for yooooooooooou!!" I sang that just for you! lolBe a sweetie,Shelia ;)

This was so much fun! As always, you add just enough humor and WHIMSEY to keep me totally enthrawled. I can't believe you haven't been doing tablescape Tuesday for weeks! The only thing we have @ my house on Tuesday is TACO TUESDAY.... but we do eat them on FiestaWare! I'm becoming a big fan of the brown and cream china. I think it was Lisa Luby Ryan's dining room that got my creative juices flowing. I'm thinking about changing the red walls in my dining room to a chocolate. I'll be down to "borrow" your china though!!!!!hugs~ Carol

Hello Gollum...I'm so happy you jumped in with the Tablescape Tuesday parade. Thank you for your lovely comments on my blog. Your table has 2 of my favorite things (& more)...dogs & china...Your flair for decorating is topnotch! I'm looking forward to many more visits to see what's up at your home... ;-) Bo

Being such a total disaster in the kitchen...it makes it that much more gratifying to know that your family liked my recipe. It's the only thing I can cook...but it really is tasty! I'm glad they liked it!

I am so happy to see this beautiful table setting of the Spode Woodlands pattern (I have lusted after this pattern since it was first introduced!) You have such a beautiful collection of it. And your collection of dogs is wonderful, but that salt and papper set is absolutely adoreable. I've never seen anything like that. I usually don't look too closely at s&p sets in stores, but I will be looking now. laurie

I had to come running back! I forgot to ask you how you did the paperclip thingy with the toilet.(and you thought I didn't read the sidebar. I read EVERYTHING) My powder room "potty" runs when the spirit moves it. I can't seem to find anyone who can actually fix it. Maybe it's all in the paperclip. Inquiring minds want to know!!!!!

Gorgeous, Gollum! Definitely a sophisticated tablescape. Admire your creativity. I'm late to the art--my first real introduction was through Mrs. Ben of RMS and her napkin-folding patterns! You're never to old to learn! Fieldstone/Pam

Beautiful. I have to ask... Do you create the tablescapes and then actually eat your dinner that night on them? Or is it just for show? Or do you just enjoy setting them up and taking pics? Or do you create them for dinner parties only? I find all your tablescapes beautiful and interesting and I'm just curious.

Becky, making a tablescape and not using it is like blowing kisses--very nice, of course, but a real kiss is so much better! Yes, if I make a tablescape, somebody is gonna be sitting down at the table to eat. LOL

P.S. I flat refused to cook after Thanksgiving: I was worn to a frazzle. So I got take-away food and tried to make interesting, diversionary place settings. Day after day after day. You have never heard such complaining in your life! So I compiled a list of hearty, but easy recipes and sent Young Gollum to Publix. :-)

This is awesome job with the placements!I love that your stripe, offers a great guide for the placement of the fork (in your picture).These are very gorgeous for decorating your dinning table.Thanks for this wonderful post and hoping to post more of this.